Keowee Courier
WALHALLA, S. C.:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1917.

HENRY LOUIS BRANDT DEAD.

Aged and Honored Citizen Passed to
His Reward Last Saturday.

Henry Louis Brandt died at his home in Walhalla last Saturday night about 9.30 o'clock, the announcement of his death coming as a distinct shock to citizens of the town as well as to members of the family. Though Mr. Brandt had been in poor health for more than two years, and it was known but recently he had suffered a second slight stroke, of paralysis, still it was not realized that his strength would fail so soon. During Saturday afternoon, he had rallied, feeling much better than for some time past, going for the first time in many days to the porch and getting about with some indication of his old-time vigor. Shortly after retiring, however, he called for a glass of water, which he drank, then lay
back on his pillow and "peacefully slept." The end of a long and well spent life had come, and the summons had found him ready.

Henry Louis Brandt was born at Sieven, Germany, on December 13, 1839. He was, therefore, rounding out his 78th year. He came to America in 1851, a lad of less than 13 years, with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Brandt, who landed in Charleston, and a short while later came to Walhalla to make their home. In 1880 Conrad Brandt went to California to visit his son, Fred Brandt, and while in California death came to him in 1882, and he was buried in that distant State. His wife died here in 1865 and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery, the grave being one of the old landmarks of this city of the dead. The brother, Fred Brandt, now of Alameda, Cal., is the only surviving member of the original Brandt family that came to America …

… Mr. Brandt was married to Miss Meta Knee, of Charleston, who, with three sons and eight daughters, survives him. The children are as follows: Wm. J.H. Brandt and Mrs. Lena Puckhaber, of Charleston; Mrs. Lucy Hoffmeyer, of Florence; Mrs. Mary Biemann, of West Union; Henry W. Brandt, of Walhalla; Mrs. Johanna Schwecke, Charleston; Mrs. Louise Burnside, John L. K. Brandt, Mrs. Julia Hunter, Mrs. H. Meiburg and Miss Maggie Brandt, of Walhalla. One son, Fred H. Brandt, died September 4, 1902.
All the children were present at the interment, which took place Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, the funeral services having been held Monday afternoon at 3.30 o'clock. One daughter, Mrs. Hoffmeyer, was unable to reach here in time for the services at 3.30 o'clock, and the body rested overnight in St. John's Lutheran church, of which he had been a member since early childhood, and in which for many years he had held offices of honor and trust. He served the church for many years as deacon, and as president of the church council from 1887 to 1910.

On November 2d, 1915, Mr. and Mrs. Brandt celebrated their golden wedding. At that time, they were surrounded by all their children and a large number of grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Mr. Brandt was ever an active man, and his long life was spent on his farm just outside of town, where he for so many years communed with nature and drew near to his Maker as he tilled the soil. He loved work, and to the last day that he was able to perform some task it was his pleasure to be out in the open, where, as we have often heard him express it "I feel so free, and God is so near." Honest and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow-man, he has laid down his earthly cares and labors, and there are many who are better for having known him.

The funeral service at St. John's church was largely attended, many having come from the country to pay the last sad tribute to the deceased. There were quite a number at the interment yesterday
morning and the floral offerings were indeed beautiful. The service was short, conforming to the Lutheran grave service, and this service, as was also the funeral service in the church, was conducted by the pastor of the deceased, Rev. W.B. Aull. At the services in the church the pastor paid a beautiful tribute to the life and works of the deceased. The church chancel and pulpit were beautifully draped for the Sunday morning church service.

The active pall bearers were the members of the present church council. The honorary pall bearers were those who had served with Mr. Brandt on the church council.

The friends of the family sympathize deeply with them in their hour of sorrow.

Mr. Brandt was a Confederate veteran, of whose service in arms the following brief sketch by a comrade gives evidence that he was as faithful and loyal in war as he was trustworthy and honorable in time of peace:

As a Soldier.

Comrade Louis Brandt was a gallant member of Company C, Orr's Rifles, S.C.V., C.S.A., Capt. Jos. J. Norton's company. He was sworn into the service at Sandy Springs, Anderson District (now county), on July 20th, 1861. We all remained at Sandy Springs for three months. The ten companies were drilled in Gen. Hardee’s tactics by ten young men from the Citadel Academy of Charleston, and fine drill masters were they. He, with the whole regiment, was ordered to Summerville, S.C., from Sandy Springs, remaining there for only a few weeks, and were then ordered to Sullivan's island, and remained there for six months. Early in May, 1862, we were ordered to Virginia, where we were assigned to Gen. Maxey Gregg's S.C. Brigade, Gen. A. P. Hill's Division, Gen. Stonewall Jackson's Corps, Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, where Comrade Brandt saw active service during the entire time we were in Virginia. He was in all the great battles in which Orr's Rifles took part, and was a true Confederate soldier, ever ready to obey all orders of his officers. He was slightly wounded twice, as the writer knew. He always answered "here" at roll call. He served the Southern Cause most truly and faithfully till the Star of the Confederacy sank to rise no more, at Appomattox Court House. He was surrendered, by order of our beloved Gen. R.E. Lee, April 9th 1865.

It is my prayer, and may it be God's will, that his immortal soul shall bask forever in the sunshine of peace and happiness with old comrades who have gone before. Very truly, his comrade and life-long friend, S. K. Dendy, Sr.